MY FIRST BLOG AWARD

On November 10, 2010, a few weeks after I got really active on blogging and bloggers' events, I received a blog award from this young lady, Ava of Artsyfartsyava. I was so elated and at the same time, humbled for having such a recognition early on in this blogosphere world. And I thank Ava for that. I also want to apologize to her for such a late post because at that time, I haven't been following blogs that much that I really don't have anyone to give this award back to. Though in a few weeks, I was able to put on my list of blogs that really appeal to me and I looked forward to reading every morning. They've been my inspiration everytime I start writing my blog.

It's been two weeks now since my last post and I have to blame it on work. Sorry about that. It's really been a crazy two weeks. Since yesterday, Ive been on vacay mode at the office though I still have to finish a few things in the morning. The rest of the day was just idle and all I think about is Christmas and I've been excited what's in store for me next year.

So now, I have to catch up. Thanks to Ava, she didn't complain for not posting this very soon. I owe you Ava, darling :)

My seven random facts (hmmm?):

1. I sneeze when I'm full. Especially when I pig-out! Funny and weird. But my friend-doctor said, it's because when I'm full, there are nasal veins that are stimulated.

2. I think my brain works faster than my hands. That's why my penmanship is really becoming unbearable to read. Or is it just an excuse? Hihihi.

Sneak peek on my work diary. :)

3. I loooooove shoes. That's why I've been sad lately that I haven't been able to buy a new pair for me. My money goes for my bro's tuition, but that's alright. A new pair of shoes can wait. :)

4. Most of my accessories are given to by my friends. And I am thinking to do a feature post for all of those accessories. hmmm... sounds like a job to me :)

5. I change cellphone once every five years? hehehe, well, not that long really. But I'm looking forward to use a phone for five years. The longest I had was for four years. I still have it and it's still working. I feel pity for the phone, I had to let it retire early :) I'll post a pic when I get home :)

6. I'm such a child, I don't talk when I am sooooo angry. One has to read my mind. It's the most common complaint of my ex's and present boyfriend (and I only realized lately).

7. I'm a love letter writer. Mushy, huh? That's just one of my secret talents alongside with my cooking and love for food.

And now, time to recognize my recently discovered blogs:

Meream of Bored and Crafty.
Lauren Uy, BMS-ing for Break My Style.
Miki, ever so fab and young of Chicstylista.
Kookie of Death By Platforms for her shoes-to-kill-for. :)
Denise Lozada of Denise Katipunera. I cried on one of her posts while reading her blog. So heartwarming.
Ladawan of Lolavie.
Meg Jocson of My Photography. Her visuals are breath-taking. I wanted to learn photography more.

Please accept the award simply by:

1. Thanking and linking back to who gave you the award.

2. Sharing 7 things about yourself.

3. Passing it along to 7 blogs you've recently discovered and enjoy.

4. Leaving your recipients a note, telling them about the award.

It's really Christmas! Wear your fashion. Make it your statement.

Love,

BellaDonna

DEATHBYPLATFORMS' MUST-JOIN GIVEAWAY CONTEST!

I've been writing the past week how I wanted to buy new shoes since I haven't been doing shoes shopping lately. Well, well, well! Perhaps I could win one from DeathByPlatforms' giveaway contest! The winning items below are just awesome! Perfect for Christmas parties and get-togethers.

Brandy clog boots or Bestie clog from Gold Dot's Christmas collection.




Eyelet shorts from Hauterfly.

You want these? Join now.

Good luck! And may the best girl win! :)

Wear your fashion. Make it your statement.

Love,

BellaDonna

IRONED OUT

Finally, I have pressed clothes for the next three weeks or so. I have made it a point last night to do the pressing no matter what. Brought down all the clothes that I have in my closet and prepared myself for about three-hour battle with iron and the board. I felt like I was dehydrating last night but I didn't mind. I had to finish pressing all of them or I'll be coming to work like a crumpled paper with the kind of clothes that I have. And I even ran out of my wash-and-wear outfits. So, I just have to do it.

These are months-old outfit post (within 6 months, actually). I have been taking pictures of myself, never posted them and only resumed to blogging just recently. This is my actual outfit yesterday that I did a few months ago. With no camera for the week, I have to be more resourceful and creative with my topic on my next post. Hmmm... thinking... tic tac, tic tac, tic tac...

Black and white tube dress: Gifted
Black Leggings: Glorietta Bazaar
Bolero: Gifted
Black thong sandals: B Club

Wear your fashion. Make it your statement.

Love,

BellaDonna

GLADIATOR SANDALS: A Legacy of the Romans

I went to a get-together with my college friends last Friday and it was something special because it only happens very seldom for all of us. Though short of attendees, the event was still a blast because we took the night away by reminiscing funny college memories and stomach-aching laughs.

The venue is at a cozy and romantic restaurant, Bellini's. Owned and operated by good friend of mine, Mr. Roberto Bellini and his lovely wife, Ma. Luisa. The place is very welcoming to people from all walks of life.

While waiting for my classmates to arrive, I strolled around the area of Araneta Center Cubao and decided to get a hair trim at Gandang Ricky Reyes Salon. It's been a long time since I had a visit to a salon and it's a refreshing feeling to have one. At Gandang Ricky Reyes, the stylist examined my scalp with a camera device and explained that I need to have a treatment for thinning hair. I always complain about my thin hair but never really checked any product to address it. Until the stylist offered me a specially-formulated shampoo and conditioner by no less than Mader Ricky: Malunggay Shampoo and Malunggay Conditioner. Hey, there's no harm in trying, right? I thought to try and come back again to the salon after two months. So, we'll see.

So my classmates were arriving one by one. I met them at Shopwise because not all of them are familiar with the place. When we arrived at Bellini's, there are already a few of them seated at a long dining table. It was Mr. Bellini who personally assisted us with our orders.

My college friends while waiting for our big platter pasta and Bellini's special pizza orders!

Gutom na! (One and a half decades ago, we'll dine at a fastfood and laugh! Ngayon, lume-level up na!)

We were taking pictures while waiting on our orders (pasta platter - a must-try!) and only then that I realized that I was wearing this pair of white gladiator sandals that my sister gave me. In my mind, I said: "How wonderful how mind works. I must have unconsciously matched my outfit with the venue." A simple pair of gladiator sandals with a long-standing world history, walking its way to a modern-day romantic Italian restaurant. I've read from online fashion articles that it's only been two years that the fashion world is going crazy with these pairs of footwear and if you're also into it, perhaps you'd like to know the best pair that will fit you.

I completed my blue fringed dress outfit with these amazing accessories; porcelain bangles that my friend gave me (Thanks, Kim!) and a blue vintage-inspired ring that I am selling at Php99!

By the way, the dress is also from my online shop and it's a one of those dresses that I was selling at the bazaar. I actually have another personal choice when I was buying the dresses from my supplier but then, it's been sold a week ago.

So, there. I'm kind'a sentimental and a sort of photo spammer here, but I really enjoyed last Friday even though the traffic that night was really really terrible. Have fun everyone!

Wear your fashion. Make it your statement.

Love,

BellaDonna

ANIMAL INSTINCT

Had dinner with a friend on Thursday night. I got home late and woke up the next morning late! The result: I missed outfit post for Thursday. Some things just can't be done in one sitting. Actually, I feel like 24 hours is not enough for all the things I want to get done. Upon sharing a quite teary night with one of my best girlfriends, we both agreed she will miss a fun-filled night of reunion with our college batchmates the following night (that's last night). She had to go to a family trip to Baguio for the weekend and it was a long-overdue promise to her family. But anyway, we're sure there'll be another get-together happening anytime soon.

Blooper: If you think I'm holding my breath too tight, you are right. I'm trying to hide the bulges! hahhaha

This animal-printed blazer did not escape my friend's eyes while waiting for our dinner at Karate Kid. She wished she could also have one animal-inspired piece of outfit for herself. I said, "hey girl, it's thrifted!" "What's that?", she replied. "UKAY!" I revealed. Oh, really? What a good buy. Blah blah blah and the night has taken us away. Animal prints have been on the craze lately and I saw a few pieces of animal-inspired shoes on sale at Cubao Expo last night. I'm not much of a fan but I thought these designs could keep us in touch with our animal instinct. Haha!

Clay accessories from Cuteabubot Mini Shop

One more thing, on Thursday morning, it was AGAIN, a "no pressed clothes" day. And I was completely doubting if I could pull this outfit off my closet with confidence. Thankful that I seemed did a thing right, I realized it's worth taking the risk. December came with a lot of pleasant surprises, it seemed and I am just too happy for those simple things that are coming my way.

Black and White animal-print blazer: Thrifted
Fuschia tank top: Mango
Gray leggings: Pop Style
Fuschia Jelly Shoes: Rusty Lopez
Clay necklace and Clay donut ring: Cuteabubot Mini Shop
Beaded Bangle: Gifted (Thanks, Dulce!)

Keep the animal instinct alive!

Wear your fashion. Make it your statement.

Love,

BellaDonna

WINNING OUTFIT

I believe in power dressing. And I'm sure many of you will agree. Most especially in growing your career. When you want something badly like promotion or a new post, you dress up for it, like you already are. And you internalize. You practice everyday as if it's already there. And everyday, it starts with the outfit-the way you dress up. I've read that somewhere and I have heard successful sales people saying that sort of thing. It's like setting your mind for future success. It's claiming the goal you've been working for. And before you know it, it's already in your hands.

Yesterday, that's exactly what I did. Power dressed for an important meeting. I wanted to make the best impression I could give, and advance to the next level. And I even got much more than that. Perhaps, with a little luck and blessing, I must have done something good to deserve it. Even if there are no promises, no guarantees. NOT YET. But I have advanced in stride yesterday. You know what they say about dressing up what you feel. Yesterday, I felt like I'm ready for a great challenge I got in my entire career and I'm looking forward to it somehow. We'll see.

Oh, I haven't told you about this outfit post. This tube dress is what I wore during my very first achievement award when I was a rookie Financial Executive at AXA. I was just starting then to be a sales person. It was an early achievement and it came in variations every year for the entire time I stayed with the company. That's why I love this dress. It's been seven (7) years since I bought this with my friend and kumare, Susana. She actually picked this dress for me and got me to convincing I should wear something like this. Paired with the sky blue stiletto with light green ribbon accent. And the winning outfit was complete!

You might be wondering how I sported the outfit on awards night seven (7) years ago. Here's a peek:

I know, I know, I look much slimmer back then. Haha, I guess I really have to shed down some fats a little bit (Maybe after Christmas season!).

Tube pinstriped dress with black accent - Forever 21 (I was actually at Forever 21 yesterday in Megamall and I'm overwhelmed! I hope they still have the same price range for dresses seven (7) years ago. I love Forever 21!)
Black, long-sleeved bolero accentuated with ruched sleeves - Mint
Stiletto shoes - Janilyn
Uneven shaped necklace - gift from a friend for my birthday. (Thanks, Yda!)

So there you are. Power-dress everyone!

Wear your fashion. Make it your statement.

Love,


BellaDonna

P.S.

There are still some dresses in my collection (actually, still lots of them!) left from the bazaar. If you want to indulge, please do so by visiting my online shop. Please share also with your friends! Thank you.

DRESSED UP TUESDAY (WITH A "YUCK!")

Yesterday, I opened my comment box with a shock when there was one anonymous remark that left the word "YUCK!" on my Manic Monday post. I said "What the hell?" So I re-read my post and asked myself why would someone be leaving something like that on my comment box? Well, the post was entitled "Manic Monday" and I was talking about how crazy it's always been on a Monday. And I don't even expect myself to be in such a great dress or outfit. That's what the post has served its purpose. But to translate it as something gross??? Well, may be s/he didn't like it. But what can I do? There's just one more thing on that post though: s/he did not reveal her/himself. You know what they say about saying something nice anonymously is immortality while saying something anonymously horrific is cowardly? (Oh, I just said that! LOL) I mean, s/he reads my blog. S/he knows me. But I think I should also know who feels yuck on my post, right? Anyway, I write posts on my blogs to have my own share of expression and whether s/he "yuck" me til s/he's dead, I don't care. S/he will remain anonymous and cowardly prick to me. Haha.

Anyway, yesterday was a dress-up Tuesday for me. Certainly not a Monday but equally manic since it has been a long weekend. I went to see my media supplier at GMA 7 with this outfit. I was hoping to leave a good impression. Who knows? I might be working with them for a few more clients in the future. So I want my best foot forward. The outfit is kinda old. My knitted cardigan was bought 10 years ago and so, the haltered blouse. My outfit was brandless but I love them because they're just another set of "no pressed clothes" day. Plus they're just so body hugging. Denise told me I look different. Because I look so formal. :) Well, that's absolutely my statement with the outfit.

Black knitted cardigan-Bangkok
Printed brown haltered blouse-I don't remember where I bought it :)
Black skirt-I don't remember either :)
Blue pearl earrings-borrowed from my sister
Blue oversized ring-Quiapo
White Gladiator shoes-gift from my sister (love it!)

Ok, I got to run. Have a great day, people!

Wear your fashion. Make it your statement.

Love,

BellaDonna

P.S.

I still have more nice dresses on my collection. Should you need one this season for party or anything, please visit my online shop. Thanks!

WINDOW SHOPPING AT THE BAZAAR

This post may have been a bit overdue since the bazaar took place last week but I thought you might also want to check out some things that I found interesting. The bazaar's theme has something to do with saving the environment by recycling things to new ones and one of the highlights is to use brown bag on each purchases. Some items came out as creative and beautiful. Not only that, they answer our problems in preserving the ecosystem.

First up: Envirosax.

My Envirosax containing my laundry.

We've seen it all during the typhoon Ondoy. When the flood subsided, all that remained are plastic bags. Thousands and thousands of them. That's why ecobags came along. Interestingly, some people who care about the environment deeply have came up with a way to re-use and recycle. And they started with shopping bags. Ecobags nowadays are not only becoming a fad for shopping but also as a fashion statement. As for me I use this Envirosax to contain all my laundry to bring them back home to Cavite. Before, I use paperbags or plastic bags that came from duty free shops because they are more convenient for me. This envirosax is so spacious and can be worn also during outdoors or any activity you have.

This Envirosax is used by Denise as her kikay bag.

Another good find: Green Minded Missy.

How interesting. Me and Denise were thinking what other things we can "DIY" aside from the brooch patches that we made. I was inspired by one blog called Bored and Crafty. One of her tutorials was to make an old denim pants to a fabulous skirt. I gave it a try. And I was successful. (Yey!) To add it up, I tried to make another product by using the remaining textile to make a bag. But the job was just as tedious. And how amazed I was when I saw the stall of Green Minded Missy with all these crafted pouches, clutches, purses and bags made of old pants! And they are all affordable. I was tempted to buy one piece with all the studs but I reminded myself: "Oppss! you haven't made a sale yet." So there I go to my next stop: Bambike

This hunk was on his bike when he arrived that I did not recognize at first sight that his was made of bamboo (maybe because I was star-strucked by him? hehehe). Come to think of it. I thought bamboo were only for furnitures and to build a house. But a bike? I've been thinking lately to get one for myself as a transport going to the office or simply a way to shed off some weight. Nice, eh?

Now, the day would not be complete without finding a good make up (since the bazaar is also basically about and for women). Last year, I received mineral-based make ups from a friend of mine and I am still using them. I checked out with Rustan's if there is that brand here so I can buy a refill for the loose foundation, but unfortunately, they don't carry the brand that I have. Some cosmetic companies have come up with mineral-based make up since last year (or maybe a while back) because of the issue of the lead content in cosmetics. But I have yet to find (or wait for another supply of i.d. minerals) a brand that's about the same that my friend gave me (Thanks, Claire!) Now these brands that were present at the bazaar-educating young women on how to put on make up, giving out tips, etc- are not only making us beautiful but cares for us as well. They're lead free, hypoallergenic and helps us combat skin problems like blemishes, acne scars, etc. Bare Beauty Minerals offers you to buy samples so you can try out their product and find the shades that perfectly match your complexion. This way, you can also find if their products are good on you, or if you will experience after-effects. At least, you don't have to waste a lot of make ups (or money) in case you won't like them.

Mary Kay Philippines is another direct selling company that offers lead-free cosmetics. My friend, Choi, works there and he was giving out free facial and hand spa on that day. He gave me a makeover and let me try out the oil mattifier. It was really effective. A bit pricey but it is a quality buy.

Oh well, the window shopping kind'a made me hungry. Everywhere you go, you're going to end up eating. And it's nothing you should ever have a second thought about. Pasta Box gave a 10% discount to all the concessionaires. I ordered a mushroom carbonara in a box and it was good. I earlier learned that the owner is a French guy married to a Filipina. Well, I'd say they're really making a good food out there but I'll be a little biased for my Italian friends and would still go out for authentic Italian pasta! :)

There you go. If you happened to be in Makati on a Friday or Saturday night, you might also wanna check other shops there at The Collective. That night, I also saw some art enthusiasts and if I am not mistaken, an LP shop (Tots, you're gonna love it) where you can find some vintage records.

I realized this is a long post but I hope I covered everything up. And I hope you enjoyed it too :)

Wear your fashion, make it your statement!

Love,

BellaDonna

ON THE RUN

There is no day that I don't run at work. I run here and there. I run in heels, I run in flats, I run in skirt. I run. To the extend that I stride. Time is just the best enemy you could have. It is the day that I have to go to ASC. I needed to have some scripts approved. I had four scripts. How hard is that? Went to Makati in the morning, came back to QC office shortly after to finish other things, went back to Makati again to get the results and you know what I got? All I got was one fricking script approved! Grrr! I need to slow down, I needed to take some air to clear my mind. So after that "running" day, I took a long walk along Ayala. From the corner of Paseo until Buendia. There was an ongoing rally in Paseo. Who cares? I just walked.

Thanks for my flat shoes. A gift from a client. It's so light and comfy. I thought I should have more flats than heeled shoes. But I love heels more than ever. I'm loving flats now. Oh well, doesn't matter. They're shoes. And I love shoes. Wish I could buy some more in this time of the year. I haven't been shoe shopping for a long time. I'll be home a bit late. But it's ok. My back won't hurt as I'm wearing a light-weight shoes.

Black, light-weight flats-gifted; thanks to Duralite :)

Blue checkered haltered blouse-gifted
Navy Blue Skirt-Gozum
Huge blue ring-Quiapo
H&M floral loop earrings-gifted
Beaded Bangles-gifted

Wear your fashion. Make it your statement.

Love,

BellaDonna

SUPERWOMAN IN BLUE DRESS

My weekly whiteboard schedule tells me that I am supposed to be out to Ad Standard Council on Wednesday. But then, I ended up spending the whole Wednesday at the office, calling on media suppliers, beating another wave of deadline and doing a storyboard all at the same time. I have been a superwoman in this dress (and yes, I did not press!). Running in and out of our office whenever I receive a mobile call (the signal sucks inside), sending emails, updating layouts with artists and printers, calling my client, haggling production costings, etc, etc, etc. I didn't even realize that the day was ending. And so, this outfit shot before I left the office, otherwise, I won't have one for the day at all.

The blue dress is from Space that I bought for half the price; white belt at Tomato, also on sale; white high heeled sandals from Popstyle. My earrings are a gift from my ever-so-good friend, Susana. She hand-made these. Lovely, eh? She knows I love danglings, chandelier, loop and oversized earrings. And she made these for my birthday. Well, anyway, I ought to be out on client call really but I've got a lot of legwork and paperworks at the office. Hope very soon, I'll be over with those and really start going out seeing clients again.

Wear your fashion. Make it your statement.

Love,


BellaDonna

WASH AND WEAR

This is another post that is resorted from wishing and hoping that I could find an outfit without having to press it. Yes, I still haven't press my clothes and I have them piled up like a mountain. :D That's why when I buy clothes, I don't only consider the style or the color but also, if I can just wear it without pressing. With my job that requires me to be at the office early and lets me come home in time for dinner, I can only do so much after that working hours. Sometimes, I have to extend. Coming home after work, my routine is to immediately take a shower, browse a bit on the net (very seldom), well, sometimes I cook for my siblings for dinner and then get to sleep at 9pm. Wake up at 5am and write for my blog. I really have so little time to do things that I missed doing like reading a novel at night or painting a portrait. Or at the very least, spend time with my friends on a Friday (because I have to work on a Saturday, too!)

Oh well, I guess that's sort of a shortcut for me these days so I don't have to press clothes: Buy an outfit that doesn't need pressing.

Dress: Cosmopolitan clothing
High heeled sandals: Le Donne
Porcelain bangles: gifted (I have other hues from my "A Gypsy at the Bazaar" post)
Blue, teardrop shaped capiz earring: I don't remember how I get it :)
Belt: gift from Denise

Wear your fashion. Make it your statement.

Love,


BellaDonna